Vulnerable Dog Breeds UK - do you have one?

[SweetDogEyes]

Hi all,

I was having a read about vulnerable dog breeds in the UK and learned about the Otterhound, which I'd never come across before, but have now practically fallen in love with.

My two don't feature but I wondered if anyone has one of these dogs or another breed and wanted to share pics or experiences?

I'm not sure what makes a breed vulnerable in the first place eg traits, temperaments, fads etc so would be interesting to hear views!

I have 2 cardigan corgis I believe only 80 were born last year. Both are failed show dogs who came as young adults. I’ve had 5 over the years. Funny easy going loyal but not overly friendly with those they don’t know so no knocking small kids over in the park or jumping up at passers by in cream coloured coats. Food oriebtated so easy to train personally I believe less neurotic than their Pembroke cousins (the ones the Queen lived). UMine will walk miles or slob around, all mine so far have all lived to 13-14 without a days illness. They can bark currently one definitely barks more than the other and when out with them everyone stops you and asks you to”what breed of dog is that?” “Is it a collie crossed with a jack russell?” Which a couple of friends find tedious. They are a very old breed I believe dating back to the Saxons. Bred to herd watch and guard cattle they will chase livestock
They have one failing I think to say they shed is a bit like saying the pope has a passing interest in Catholicism. They shed badly 365 days of the year it is everywhere then twice a year for about 3 months at a time I’ve never experienced anything like it. So not for the super house proud.

I know someone who lives near Fochebars where they originate from and there’s quite a few around that area. The males are enormous with massive paws and both male and female are stunningly beautiful they have gorgeous faces and daft as brushes. To a man (or dog ) they are described by their owners, most who’ve owned the breed for years, as loving devoted and barmy and with a huge exercise requirement!

I love all dogs but he is just something else. Gorgeous boy and so chilled looking.

i have an English setter. ( less than 250 registered for the last few years with kennel club) The job they used to do isn’t needed as much now, they are less popular than Irish setters and quite large but I absolutely love his dumb ass

@Corgiowner My dog’s best mate at Ringcraft classes is a cardigan corgi. He’s adorable. They’re lovely dogs.

I admit my bias but shedding aside and the odd woof they are the best dog breed in the world!

@SweetDogEyes thank you for this thread!
I love seeing everyone’s photos of their gorgeous dogs.
I’ve been googling all the breeds I’ve never heard of.

We’ve also got a Skye terrier in our village much more thick set than they appear in photos they like cardigan corgis are big dogs on short legs and look lovely. Although the man that owns him and says he’s owned them all his life says they can be snappy although this one isn’t.

I have two English Setters! They are super dogs but quite strong minded but also super sensitive. I’ve always had this breed so I’m used to it 😄 They aren’t a status thing to me, just the type of dog I love.

If I'm correct, a breed is considered vulnerable if it's a native breed and below a certain treshold of births/year.
So a Schipperke might be vulnerable in Belgium, but not in the UK, for example.

I have a vulnerable breed, a English Toy Terrier, less than 60 registrations last year I think. Mine isn't registred here though, he was born abroad.

Beautiful. Yep ours is 3 and an absolute doof bag. He recalls on his terms, thinks he’s a lap dog, will run at you for cuddles and knock you flying then look absolutely confused about why you are on the floor and not wanting his kisses! Wouldn’t have him any other way even when he is huffing at me because I am in his spot! .

Sorry, my misreading of the title. I henceforth withdraw Schipperkes from this thread with immediate effect.

Ah so many gorgeous vulnerable native breeds here!

We have a (Smooth) Collie, Lassie’s less glamorous haired cousin. There were 56 registered last year (including our boy) but only 29 in 2024! I don’t know why they are not more popular as they are known for their lovely temperaments and need very little in terms of coat maintenance etc and easy to train. While they are not hugely popular in Europe and the US, numbers are nowhere near as low as here.

We love our boy so much ❤️

I have a Welsh terrier, so loving and beautiful looking but also a stubborn nightmare! Gets mistaken for a miniature Airedale

Please don't, they're still rare and above all, they're adorable. I don't think I have seen one in the last years.

Oh it’s still nice to hear and see about any rare ones wherever they’re from. I used to have a Portuguese podengo pequano here in the uk and they were as rare as hens teeth nearly 20 years ago. My vet here is Portuguese though and said they’re like Jack Russell’s over there 🤣. He still popped his head round the door to meet him as he’d never seen one in the uk before.

Our friends in Spain have 3. Apparently they are popular hunting dogs in the north of the country. All we're rescued from horrible situations.
I watched the kitchen leader of the packet, nudge my small boy into the swimming pool.
Beautiful dogs

I have had my cairn for 6 months now and , although I know they’re not on the vulnerable breeds list, I haven’t yet met another one! They are wonderful dogs, although very stubborn!

I've got a cardigan Corgi (and a half)
My full cardigan is honestly the best and easiest dog I have ever owned he's well mannered with other dogs, not too energetic so he doesn't put off older or younger dogs from play,
He adjusts to any situation if we go to a pub, cafe, completely new walk he's honestly not phased by anything he is the best boy

But he sheds like there's no tomorrow!
I've had German shepherds and they shed less
I'm constantly worried about his weight and keep him trim to avoid back issues
I'm careful about over walking and jumping even if he's not!
I constantly keep his nails trimmed as due to the short legs and the way they walk they can overgrown easily plus he's a right silly sausage when I have to do his nails and only manage about 1 a day as he hates his feet being touched, that's just him though

His insurance was a fortune due to his breed so I cancelled it and will use credit cards or savings if needed

Often asked if he's a mix breed, Aussie puppy ect

The field / working type are very common in Spain and Greece. I love seeing them. There are a lot of rescues coming into the UK. Mine are UK bred show type so a more defined head and stop, deeper chest and up to 10kg heavier than the field type. All lovely though! I know people that have a mix of field type rescues and show setters

He's precious! Those eyes are mesmerising!

He's very cute - he looks kind of rock and roll with his ears which scream, "Long hair don't care!"

He's very, very handsome!! I don't think I've seen another of him!

Beautiful! They look very regal!

He's gorgeous and looks kind of sassy!